“The Battle of the Mind”

Everyone has to fight the battle that goes on in the mind. Our thought life determines where we are in the things of God. When people meditate on what is wrong or the negative side of a situation, they become blinded by the problem and never see the escape available to them. Our Heavenly Father has given us a way to bring forth light, and that is through diligent study and meditation of the Word of God. In Hosea 4:6 God tells us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

As Christians we are going to have to learn how to apply Bible knowledge to our lives, if we want to win the battles of life. God instructs the Believer on how to control their thought life by utilizing His whole armor. Ephesians 6:10-17 says:

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,

having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

above all,

taking the shield of faith with which you will be able

to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

The Apostle Paul uses armor, the battle dress of the first-century Roman soldier, as a metaphor for God’s spiritual armor. Clearly, the military metaphor is intended to show that we are engaged in an active battle. Therefore, Believers must recognize that they are in warfare everyday, and that the battlefield is our minds. The whole armor of God has been provided to help us guard against the enemy of our mind–Satan. Satan’s only weapon against us is through the mind. If he can put thoughts, ideas and suggestions in our minds, then he can control our actions. We must come to understand that ignorance of the Word and victory over life’s battles are impossible roommates.

If we desire the overcoming life of Jesus then we will need to “take up the whole armor of God.” We are not to focus in on only part of the armor to the neglect of the other combat coverings, if we do so we will find ourselves defeated. It is the whole armor-knowledge of the Word of God-that gives us the victory. We need to take each piece of the armor as illustrated by Paul and apply them to our life so that we can benefit from its protection.

Family, it is critical that we acknowledge that the warfare is not against physical forces but against powers that have authority in the spirit realm. Paul not only warns the Believer of a clearly defined demonic structure, but also instructs us to take up the whole armor of God in order to maintain a battle stance against these unseen forces.

Satan’s mode of operation has not changed. He continues to use the same mind game that he used on Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). We are going to have to recognize his deceptive ways and stand against them with the Word of God.

Our battle is clearly spiritual. Satan launches assaults on the mind in order to affect the spiritual aspect of our lives. The mind is like the door through which the enemy has access. If Satan can influence our thoughts, he can control every aspect of our lives. Therefore, we must examine every thought that comes to our minds. Are they the fiery darts, the evil day and or the wiles of the devil? Every thought has either a life or death component attached to it. Once a thought is allowed to have access in our lives, it begins its subtle work.

This is the reason God tells us in Romans 12:1-2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Dr. Frederick K.C. Price

Friday Night Beach Bums at Capo Beach

One of the most popular social events, Beach Bums is a summer schedule of special themed events for parish families that meets throughout the summer at Capistrano Beach.

Chili Cook off

Tri-Tip Advent Dinner

The Family Advent Dinner is a much-anticipated yearly event. Fr. Rob and a group of kitchen volunteers prepare a gourmet tri-tip dinner for a great way to gather and celebrate the start of the Advent season.

Advent Wreath Making

The Advent Wreath Making project allows everyone to prepare their own home Advent wreath, with fresh greens, bees wax candles and a special Advent prayer service for use at home throughout Advent. click here Wreath Service

Mardi Gras Dinner

Lenten Program

Every year during Lent, all are encouraged to participate in our Lenten Programs for the Family. A Lenten supper is offered just prior to the start of each session, and programs are available for the whole family.

Gourmet Group

Friendship Dinners (Foyers)

Parishioners enjoy meals together in various groupings on a rotating basis at homes of the group members.

Men’s Thursday Morning Breakfast

The Men’s Thursday Fellowship Breakfast Group is trying out a new location for breakfast and all men are welcome!! They meet every Thursday at 8:00 AM, and for now will be meeting at Paul’s Pantry, 27409 Bellogente Street in Mission Viejo (Bellogente and Crown Valley Parkway, near Chili’s). No RSVP is necessary—come join us for food and fellowship!

Classical music performance? Friends of Music

Friends of Music at St. Margaret’s presents monthly choral and instrumental concerts. We offer a mix of familiar and unfamiliar music and composers, always with an informative introduction by Michael Sanders. After every concert we have a food, fun and fellowship with musicians and guests.

Fr. Doran’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Meets every Wednesday at 10:45 AM-This class is made up of primarily retirees, who are welcome to join in at any time as Father Tregarthen leads the class through the Bible in this traditional bible study. No preparation necessary.

Fr. Rob’s weekly women’s bible study

Meets Wednesdays at 8:45 AM- All women of the church are welcome to join in at any time. Childcare is available in the church office area.

Confirmation & Inquirers Class

Confirmation classes are offered one time per year for any teenager or adult who would like to reaffirm their baptismal vows through the laying on of hands of the Bishop during the Confirmation Celebration.

First Communion & Parents’ Ministry

First Communion classes are offered in the spring for all children interested in receiving their First Communion. The program involves a series of 4-5 classes for the children, with an accompanying discussion time for the parents with a member of the clergy. All children (Kindergarten-5th grade) are welcome to attend.

Rally Sunday (Fall Homecoming) Kick-Off Sunday

Rally Sunday is held in September and is a day of special activities and parish BBQ as we look ahead to a new year of activities for all ages.

Spring Soiree (Outreach Fundraiser)

The Spring Soiree is a special evening for the whole church, with gourmet food, music, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the church’s community outreach programs.

All Saints Procession

The All Saints Procession is a special Sunday School event which occurs on All Saints’ Sunday. The children wear a simple costume to portray a saint, and join in the Sunday morning procession.

All Saints Procession

Foyers

Parishioners enjoy meals together in various groupings on a rotating basis at homes of the group members.